Skip to main content

Innovative wheeled excavator from JCB

JCB has high hopes for its new Hydradig wheeled excavator, which is said to offer high versatility and stability, as well as visibility, mobility, manoeuvrability and serviceability. A key feature of the machine is the novel layout of its engine and fuel tank, mounted on the lower chassis member rather than on the rotating upperstructure. This helps provide a much better view from the newly-designed cab, aided by large glass panels, and allows the operator to see all four wheels. This radical design also lo
April 13, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
JCB’s versatile Hydradig offers new capabilities
255 JCB has high hopes for its new Hydradig wheeled excavator, which is said to offer high versatility and stability, as well as visibility, mobility, manoeuvrability and serviceability. A key feature of the machine is the novel layout of its engine and fuel tank, mounted on the lower chassis member rather than on the rotating upperstructure. This helps provide a much better view from the newly-designed cab, aided by large glass panels, and allows the operator to see all four wheels. This radical design also lowers the centre of gravity and ensures far greater stability than on earlier-generation wheeled excavators. A spokesperson for the firm said, “We have launched the most innovative product for many years.”

With its low centre of gravity, the machine is also able to travel at up to 40km/h on road and without exhibiting the sometimes choppy ride at speed of conventional wheeled excavators. Its stepless hydrostatic transmission means that there is no need to change gear while driving and it can also tow a load weighing up to 3.5tonnes, allowing it to transport additional worktools, hydraulic attachments or generators.

Power comes from a JCB EcoMAX engine that delivers 81kW, as well as high torque at low rpm and low exhaust emissions. The low centre of gravity also delivers good reach and lifting capabilities, while allowing a short tailswing design that means the machine can work up close to buildings, bridge supports or New Jersey barriers on road projects, for example.

The machine has two- or four-wheel steer and a 4m turning minimum circle as well as a crab steer function for manoeuvrability. A reverse steer option means that the operator can always be facing forwards when the machine is being driven. Users can specify either single, twin or low flotation tyres, depending on the customer needs or operating conditions. Axle oscillation allows operation on uneven ground while the machine’s other benefits include ground level access to daily check points and ease of serviceability.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New barriers are helping improve road safety
    June 30, 2014
    A series of new guardrail technologies and barrier developments are now coming to market - Mike Woof writes. An array of technical developments is helping improve highway safety for road users. New barrier and guardrail technologies can offer greater conspicuity so as to alert drivers, along with better restraint capabilities. Gregory Industries offers a wide range of steel and cable barrier types and has now developed an attachment system for international use. This fixes the guardrail to the post and in t
  • Advances in aggregate production machines
    October 27, 2016
    Aggregate production equipment continues to become more efficient and more productive as development continues – Mike Woof writes During 2016 all the major aggregate production equipment specialists have put a good deal of new machines on the market, highlighting their investment in research and development. These firms are also investing in developing their facilities, with new manufacturing capability coming on stream. Materials washing specialist CDE Global is now offering its modular M-Series wash
  • JCB excavators and Terex Washing Systems’ plant at work in the Caribbean region
    June 24, 2013
    Excavators and a wash plant have been supplied for work in the Caribbean region. New equipment has been delivered to companies for projects in the countries in the Caribbean. A fleet of eight 20tonne JCB JS200 crawler excavators has been bought by a construction company and put to work in one of the biggest ever highway projects in the Caribbean, while DUO, a Terex Washing Systems’ global distributor, has installed a custom-built Terex sand and gravel wash plant at the Readymix West Indies (W.I.) site in Va
  • Compact and powerful telehandler from Manitou
    October 18, 2017
    Manitou is now offering its MT420H Buggy telehandler, a compact model. The machine shares many features with the existing MT625 but is built on a smaller scale and features a tighter turning circle, with a width of just 1.49m and a height of 1.9m when its high visibility beacon is fitted. Triple mode steering allows the machine to be manoeuvred in small spaces. The MT420H offers a 2tonne lifting capacity and a maximum lift height of 4.3m, while it can reach forward 2.6m with a load of 800kg.